The Longest Day of the Year Calls for a Longer Ride

The longest day of the year occurs on June 21, marking the official start of summer. It’s a cyclist’s dream: The early dawn and late sunset provide enough daylight to keep those legs moving all day long. These fun and challenging rides will help you squeeze the most out of your extra moments of sunshine.

June 19

Summer Solstice Sprint (Sutton, Massachusetts)
If triathlons are for you but the early morning pre-race routines aren’t, this multisport race offers an evening start with a quarter-mile swim across the waters of Lake Singletary. From there, dry off with a smooth and fast 10-mile ride through country roads and finish with a 5K run through the town center. This triathlon allows you to celebrate the Summer Solstice and still have the rest of the weekend to yourself.Info: trifind.com

The Fremont Solstice Cyclists Ride (Seattle, Washington)
Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience? Get painted up and go nude as part of the legendary Solstice Cyclists for the Fremont Solstice Parade.Info: solsticecyclist.org

Denver Century Ride (Denver, Colorado)
If you’re looking for a challenge, the full Denver Century Ride serves up plenty of it: With a mixture of tough climbs, and hairpin turns, the course is reminiscent of the Tour de France. There are also three-quarter-, half-, and quarter-century routes. But hurry! Registration ends June 18.Info:denvercenturyride.com

Tellico Summer Solstice Sprint Triathlon (Lenoir City, Tennessee)
Founded in 1984, the Tellico Triathlon is East Tennessee’s longest-running lake triathlon. It welcomes you with a half-mile open water swim, followed by a 16.1-mile bike ride along the scenic Tellico Parkway. The race finishes with an almost completely flat 5K run.Info:runsignup.com

June 20-21

The Solstice Festival (Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin)
The Solstice Festival celebrates the official start to summer with not one, but two rides. First is the Family Fun Paved Trail Ride on Saturday, June 20, which includes activities for kids of all ages along the way. Then continue the Solstice excitement by joining in a half or full century road ride on Sunday.Info:2015solsticefestival.com

The Loop (San Francisco, California)
Are you an adventure seeker? The Loop is hosting a relay race that requires both spontaneity and endurance. Teams will run and bike 175 miles in two days, navigating through neighborhoods, parks, and rural roads. Along the way there will be 20 checkpoints that are kept secret until race day and revealed as you progress through the course. Info: thesparrow.co

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